BILOXI, Mississippi- April 2012
After visiting the April 2012 Smokin’ the Sound Poker Run in Biloxi, FPC president Stu Jones was reminded how much fun it can be to take off the “organizer hat” and take part in some of the fun. But that doesn’t always mean jumping on a boat and riding around with the pack. In Biloxi, Stu managed a media role, which was to fly in the event helicopter, shoot aerial photography and oversee the production of the souvenir event DVD. ” It’s something that I enjoy doing, and when I can focus my efforts on that role, it seems like I can do a somewhat better job at it, especially when I don’t have organizational concerns to address.” explained Jones to participants. The aerial photo & video coverage was sponsored by FEB Distributing, which is owned and operated by club member Paul Bertucci, owner of the 43 Nor-Tech, Beer Money.
Official Event website: www.smokinthesound.com
BOYNE CITY, Michigan- July 2012
Later in July, as an extension of the family vacation in Ontario, Canada, Stu & Jackie Jones drove over to Michigan, to take part in the Boyne Thunder Poker Run, an event which as now run for nine years, with its base of operation in Boyne City, a small vacation town on scenic Lake Charlevoix, connected to Lake Michigan. “It was an amazing fleet of over sixty powerboats, and even more amazing to see that a large number of the participants were active FPC members. What a spectacular boating area this is, with plenty of cozy marinas and homeports, beautiful homes and super-clean waters!”, said Jones in his account of the experience. “It was especially fun to ride on board with Michigan members Ken & Karen Trelfa on their Outerlimits, even though one of my kids pulled his battery kill switch and disabled the entire boat right smack in the middle of Charlevoix Harbor! I’m glad Ken has a good sense of humor!” Local parties and social events were hosted by neighbors Robert Burger, (39 Nor-Tech) who through a Thursday night warmup party, and Bob Berg from Miami,(50′ Nor-Tech) who recently purchased a home on the lake and hosted a Saturday night after-party in his 12 person hot tub. (we’re sorry the ladies had to see middle-aged men in their briefs! Next time the guests promise to be prepared!)
Official event website: www.boynethunder.com
LAKE LANIER, Georgia- July 2012
Just recently, the FPC crew visited the PIRATES OF LANIER Poker Run on Georgia’s beautiful Lake Lanier. This was somewhat of a homecoming for Stu & Jackie Jones, as FPC had staged poker run events there back in 2004, 2005, from the Pine Island Renaissance Resort on Lanier Islands. This time the players had changed, with FPC member John Woodruff (48′ MTI- Windship) taking the leadership role in this 2nd annual charity event, and the turnout was fantastic. Over two-hundred teams of cruisers, runabouts and powerboats were reported to have participated, and Florida Powerboat Club was pleased to lend media support once again, with Stu Jones flying in the event helicopter to photograph the event. (see galleries posted on this website under Pirates of Lanier) The event was charity-focused in every aspect, with several thousands of dollars reported to be distributed to a variety of youth charities.
Official Event website: www.piratesoflanier.com
FEATURE COVERAGE OF ALL THREE EVENTS IN THE NEXT ISSUE OF: POWERBOATING IN PARADISE Magazine
FOR MORE INFORMATION on any of these events, contact the FPC office, at 954-545-1414